Kluthe UK Acquires H3P Technologies to Expand Chemical Expertise

11 March 2019

Chemical product supplier and surface treatment specialist Kluthe UK has acquired the UK business of H3P Technologies in a move to boost its technical capabilities and market presence. The deal will allow Kluthe UK to add new dimensions to its customer offering, providing a foothold in the pre-treatment, metalwork and cleaning markets.

Kluthe UK is part of German group Chemische Werke Kluthe GmbH, which has a global presence spanning 44 countries. In the UK, the focus is on manufacturing products for paint shop applications for the automotive and industrial sectors. The added dimensions that H3P Technologies brings to Kluthe UK’s product portfolio will put the company on track for significant growth in existing and new markets and provide UK manufacturing industry with a vibrant supplier in tune with market demands.

H3P is regarded as a leading trouble-shooter in the UK chemical pre-treatment market, providing innovation in areas including anodising technology. The company has built a track record supplying a range of industrial, architectural and automotive clients, with an impressive customer line-up featuring names like Aston Martin and Lotus.

H3P Technical Director, Ron Catton, said: “H3P has many years’ expertise in surface treatment technologies which will broaden Kluthe UK’s horizons and strengthen the technical capabilities of the business as well as its customer service and support capabilities.

Kluthe UK will continue to employ the services of H3P’s directors until 31 March 2021 to ensure a smooth transition of the business and its technology.

Kluthe UK Managing Director, Clive Gray, said: “This acquisition is part of our wider growth strategy and is a perfect fit for us. There are obvious synergies at play, and we will really benefit from the additional technological expertise H3P offers. We are very keen to make our mark in the pre-treatment technology sector and this will bring considerable benefits to both new and existing customers.”

He added: “The deal will also benefit the Kluthe Group as a whole, allowing our HQ team in Heidelberg to explore new technical ideas and opportunities for the benefit of manufacturing industries. That will both make us more competitive and responsive to the needs of our core customers.”